Causes Symptoms and Treatment of Sinusitis Sinusitis, commonly known as Sinus is a common health condition which is characterised by the inflammation of the sinuses and the nasal passages. Sinuses are hollow spaces behind the bones of the face. The healthy sinuses are filled with air. However, when these healthy sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. Sinusitis can be uncomfortable and painful and thus should be treated on time. Everyone must know the various causes, symptoms and treatment of Sinusitis to prevent it at the right time.
Types of Sinusitis: Sinusitis can be categorised into four types: 1. Acute Sinusitis Acute sinusitis generally starts with cold-like symptoms and has the shortest duration. The symptoms include a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. In the case of a viral infection, acute
sinusitis can last for one to two weeks. If it is a bacterial infection, acute sinusitis may also last for up to four weeks. 2. Subacute Sinusitis This is another kind of sinus which can last for up to 3 months. This condition usually occurs due to bacterial infections or seasonal allergies. 3. Recurrent sinusitis Recurrent sinusitis is a kind of sinus which reoccurs several times a year. 4. Chronic Sinusitis Chronic sinusitis symptoms are less severe but can last for more than three months. Generally, it occurs due to persistent allergies or nasal structural problems.
Causes of Sinusitis Anyone can get a Sinusitis infection. However, there are certain health factors which can put people at risk of getting Sinusitis. Some of these factors and Causes of Sinusitis are: 1. Nasal Polyps- These tissue growths can block the sinuses or the nasal passages which can lead to a Sinus infection. 2. Deviated nasal septum- This occurs when the wall of tissue that divides your nostrils displaces to one side and restricts or block a sinus passage which in turn leads to a sinus infection. 3. Respiratory tract infections- Infections in the respiratory tract, most commonly Colds can inflame and thicken the sinus membranes and also block the mucus drainage. These infections can be viral, bacterial or fungal and can cause a sinusitis. 4. Medical Conditions- Certain medical conditions which can decrease the body’s immune system such as HIV are also known to cause a sinus infection. 5. Allergies- Allergies such as Hay Fever that cause inflammation can block your sinuses and lead to Sinusitis. Risk Factors
You are at increased risk of getting chronic or recurrent sinusitis if you have: •
A nasal passage abnormality, such as a deviated nasal polyps or nasal septum
•
Asthma, which is deeply connected to the chronic sinusitis
•
Aspirin sensitivity that causes respiratory symptoms
•
An immune system disorder, such as Cystic Fibrosis or HIV/AIDS
•
Hay fever or any another allergic condition that affects the sinuses
•
Regular exposure to pollutants such as smoke of the cigarette
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Symptoms of Sinusitis can sometimes be misunderstood as a Common Cold. Thus, it might be difficult to detect a Sinus Infection. Symptoms of acute, chronic, and subacute sinus infections are highly similar. However, the length and severity of the symptoms will vary. Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis are: The Main Signs include: •
Facial pain or pressure
•
"Stuffed-up" nose
•
Runny nose
•
Loss of smell
•
A cough or congestion
A person might also have: •
Fever
•
Bad Breath
•
Fatigue
•
Dental Pain
•
Thick green or yellow nasal discharge
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis include: •
A feeling of congestion or fullness in the face
•
A nasal blockage or nasal obstruction
•
Pus in the naval cavity
•
Tooth Pain
•
Feeling Tired
•
A runny nose and discoloured postnasal drainage
•
Headache
•
Bad Breath
Diagnosis & Treatment of Sinusitis
If you have symptoms of Sinusitis, you must see a Doctor. The Doctor will first take the medical history. Then the Doctor will also do a physical examination and may press and feel the face to look for the tenderness in the sinuses, and also tap the teeth to see if a sinus near the nose is bothering you. Other tests might also be required to confirm the diagnosis such as: •
Nasal Endoscopy
•
Allergy Tests
•
Imaging Tests- CT Scan or MRI is done to see the details of sinuses and nasal area.
If a patient has a simple sinus infection, the doctor may recommend him or her to use a decongestant and saline nasal washes. The patient should not use an over-the-counter decongestant more than three days because it can make them more congested. Treatment of Sinusitis is also done by antibiotics. Many times, Doctors gives antibiotics to the patients which they have to take probably for 10 to 14 days. If a patient has chronic sinusitis, they can use a vaporiser or inhale steam from a pan of warm water to relieve sinus. Few Home Remedies & Tips for the Treatment of Sinusitis
Apart from taking medications, one can also try various tips to treat sinus and get relief from the sinus pain. Some of the tips and remedies are as follows: 1. Stay Hydrated Staying hydrated helps your body in many ways, including keeping our sinuses moist. If you drink 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day, it can help a lot in treating sinus. Also, stay away from the caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as they can cause dehydration. One can always check whether they are properly hydrated or not by checking their urine colour. Doctors say that the colour of the urine is clear when someone is hydrated. 2. Spice it up a little bit Sinuses can be cleared by spicy foods such as hot peppers, mustard, curry, etc. If you like eating spicy food, you can add some “hot” spices to your meals to open the nasal passages. Ensure that you take spicy foods in a limited amount. This is one of the easiest Treatment of Sinusitis.
3. Eat Immunity Booster Foods Weak immunity is also one of the causes of a sinus infection. Therefore, one must eat a lot of foods and fruits which strengthen our immunity such as Citrus Fruits, vegetables, etc. Also, avoid junk foods and sugary drinks as they are one of the leading factors for making the body’s immunity weak. Eat healthy foods for the best treatment of Sinusitis. 4. Apply warm compress If you have sinus, you can use a warm compress to keep the nasal tissues moist. You can also take hot water steam to get relief from the sinus pain. Fill a bowl or pot with steaming water. After that, place your face over the bowl with a towel around the head to inhale the steam. Make sure that the water is not too hot. Sinus is a common health condition and can be treated with the medications and a few home remedies. One just needs to be careful and look out for the symptoms of sinus and not misunderstand it with a common cold. Do not wait to consult a Physician if you experience any symptoms of Sinusitis. Get lab tests done from your nearby Pathology Labs in Vaishali, Ghaziabad to confirm the diagnosis of Sinusitis. After all- Health is Wealth!